Page 43 of Ransom

"We could tie it in with other local businesses," Erin suggests. "Like, have a 50s-themed weekend. The diner could do special menus; we could have dance lessons in the town square..."

The energy at the table shifts. Suddenly, it feels like we're onto something real.

"This is good," Angie says, her eyes sparkling. "This is the kind of thinking we need. But we can't just leave it as bar talk. We need to make it happen."

She stands up, swaying slightly. "I propose we form an official town revitalization committee. Who's in?"

There's a moment of hesitation. We all look at each other, gauging reactions.

"Fuck it," I say, raising my hand. "I'm in."

One by one, the others join in. Even Sarah, wiping down the bar, raises her hand.

"Alright then," Angie grins, looking around at all of us. "Committee formed. We'll have our first official meeting next week. Same time, same place?"

We all nod, some of us a little more enthusiastically than others. No way would anyone agree to a committee a few hours ago, but the booze has made them think they could pull it off.

And I hope they're right, because I'm all in on this town. My whole world is here, and I am not going anywhere. But if the town just... fades away, there will be nothing left for me. Maybe I would just fade away too.

No way am I going to let that happen.

15

RANSOM

Ipush through the door of the coffee shop, the bell above tinkling softly. The aroma of freshly ground beans and baked goods hits me. The building hasn't changed much in twenty years—same worn wooden floors, same mismatched tables and chairs, same chalkboard menu behind the counter. But in my time, this was an ice cream parlor, busy all summer long and dead the rest of the year.

Judging by the lines of people, half the town is in here today. And the amazing smells make me think it's going to be worth the wait.

Sunlight streams through the large front windows, highlighting the dust motes floating in the air. A few locals occupy tables, nursing steaming mugs and chatting in low voices. Their conversations paused briefly as I entered, curious eyes flickering my way before returning to their discussions. I can't tell if some of them are looking because they recognize me or if they're looking because I'm a new face. I threw on the white t-shirt, hoodie, and track pants that were in my gym bag. It's not the outfit I would have chosen for today, but it's better than the suit. I would stick right the fuck out in that this morning.

For the fiftieth time in the last sixteen hours, I mentally kick my own ass for leaving the city without a suitcase or, you know, a fucking plan.

I glance towards Blair's garage across the square. The urge to march over there and confront her is strong, but I've learned patience in the decades we've been apart, last night's poorly planned trip here notwithstanding. I need to play this smart.

The man in front of me steps away from the counter, and a woman with curly red hair and a warm smile greets me. "Welcome to Frannie's! What can I get for you today?"

I scan the menu, settling on a simple black coffee. "Just a large coffee, please."

She nods, grabbing a cup. "Anything else? Our blueberry muffins are fresh out of the oven."

"Only a crazy person would turn down a hot blueberry muffin. I'll take two."

She grins and rings up my order, her eyes meeting mine. "That'll be $10.50. Can I get a name for the order?"

"Ransom," I say, handing over a twenty.

Her eyes widen, recognition dawning. "Ransom? Oh. Wow. Okay. I've heard about you! I'm Frannie. You probably won't remember me. I was pretty young when you left."

I nod, trying to place her. It's no use. I didn't pay much attention to the younger kids. Then, toward the end, I only had eyes for Blair. "Right, Frannie. Good to see you." She hands me my change, and I drop all of it into the tip jar. "I'm sorry I don't remember you."

She leans forward, lowering her voice. "That's okay. Honestly, I don't remember you either, but people this morning… you know what? Never mind." Her cheeks fill with color, and I mentally fill in what she was about to say.People talk.Everywhere, but especially in small towns. And especially when you’re staying with the town’s biggest gossip. Did she runaround town telling everyone I’m here, or is there some sort of phone tree? "Anyway, what brings you back to Badger Falls after all this time?"

There it is, the opening I was looking for. The best way to counteract a little gossip is by giving people something else to talk about. I need to steer the narrative here. "Actually, I'm here to make amends. I didn't leave town on the best terms."

Frannie's eyebrows raise. "That's an understatement. If I remember the rumors correctly, you left with a bang. Or, more specifically, a smash."

I nod, echoes of the shattering glass ringing in my ears. "Yeah, that's pretty much how it happened. It's not something I'm proud of. My next stop is the grocery store. I have some apologies to make."

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